Conquering the Olympic triathlon on a bicycle share bike without the use of aerobars in Montreal
In a surprising turn of events, Nicolas Malguy, a Montreal resident, recently participated in the Ironman 5150 Mont-Tremblant triathlon using a Bixi bike share bike. This unconventional choice brought about several advantages and challenges.
### Advantages
Malguy, who hails from France and moved to Canada in December 2024, reported a warm reception from the crowd due to the unique nature of his bike. The cheers he received during the race undoubtedly boosted his morale and motivation [1].
Using a Bixi bike also saved him from the high costs associated with purchasing or renting a specialized triathlon bike. Furthermore, the attention his unusual choice garnered on social media and in the media provided him with personal exposure and promoted the accessibility of triathlon events [2].
### Disadvantages
However, the Bixi bike, while offering cost advantages, was not ideal for the hilly course at Mont-Tremblant. Its weight and limited gearing made the bike leg more challenging, forcing Malguy to spend a significant portion of the ride out of the saddle [2].
The upright design and weight distribution of Bixi bikes are not optimized for high-speed cornering or aerodynamics, which affected Malguy's performance in terms of speed and handling [2].
Additionally, Malguy admitted that he was not fully prepared for the physical demands of using a Bixi bike on a challenging course, highlighting the need for specific training when using such a bike in competition [2].
### Conclusion
While using a Bixi bike in a triathlon offers unique advantages in terms of crowd engagement and cost, it poses significant challenges regarding performance and physical strain. It remains a novel and inspiring choice for those who wish to approach triathlons with a different perspective.
Bixi, founded in 2014, operates more than 11,000 bikes in its Montreal-based bike share network. Malguy borrowed a brand-new bike from Bixi's headquarters for the race and plans to return it in the coming days. Despite the challenges, Malguy finished the Ironman 5150 race in a total time of 3 hours and 44 minutes, placing 103rd out of 118 starters in the 25-29 men's division [3].
Interestingly, Malguy, who prefers basketball to triathlon but tries to do at least one short-course triathlon every couple of years, is considering training for the half-Ironman in Mont-Tremblant next year on a Bixi bike [4]. He also plans to participate in another Ironman-branded race on a Bixi bike in the future [5].
The unique choice of using a Bixi bike share bike during the Ironman 5150 Mont-Tremblant triathlon not only saved Nicolas Malguy on costs but also drew attention to himself and the accessibility of triathlon events. However, the bike's weight and limited gearing made the hilly course more challenging, and its aerodynamics and handling weren't the best, affecting Malguy's performance. Despite these difficulties, Malguy completed the race in 3 hours and 44 minutes, expressing interest in training for future races on a Bixi bike.
